EU urged to help combat internet censorship

The EU has been urged to tackle alleged internet censorship in countries like Iran, Russia and North Korea.

Dutch ALDE deputy Jules Maaten said “more and more authoritarian states” were censoring the internet by blocking websites and filtering search engines so users cannot search for certain words or topics.

Speaking at a news conference in parliament on Thursday, Maaten said he wants the EU to introduce legislation in order to give European firms guidelines when working with ‘Internet-restricting’ countries.

He also proposed an 'Online Freedom Act' to promote Internet freedom in all countries. The campaign is backed by various groups, including Reporters Without Frontiers.

“It is essential that Europe acts as a model when it comes to promoting human rights,” he said.

His comments are echoed by Danish ALDE deputy Karin Riis-Jorgenson, who said it was "essential" the EU acts to "stop this violation of human rights because every human being has the freedom to express oneself."

She added, “In particular, I endorse the goal to include censorship in trade negotiations.

“Government-sponsored censorship is one of the largest barriers to a free flow of information.

“I believe it is of great value to make censorship a central element in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.”

Support also came from UK Tory MEP Edward McMillan-Scott, who said, “The EU, and parliament in particular, must stand behind the principle of free speech on the Internet as elsewhere.

“We are concerned that countries in the Shanghai Cooperation Agreement, especially Russia and Iran, systematically abuse their citizens’ rights to free speech and free expression.”

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